2027: Ex-APC spokesman warns INEC

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Timi Frank.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has warned President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission against manipulating the 2027 general election, saying Nigerians may reject any outcome that does not reflect their votes.

Frank also called on the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union to intervene diplomatically ahead of the polls to ensure a free, fair and credible election.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the former APC spokesman expressed concern over allegations that artificial intelligence-generated names and photographs had been discovered in the national voter register, describing the development as a potential threat to the credibility of the electoral process.

He called on the electoral umpire to investigate the allegations, verify questionable entries and explain transparently how the voter register was compiled.

Frank said the alleged use of AI-generated voter information raised serious questions about the commission’s preparedness and independence ahead of the 2027 elections.

He warned that any attempt to manipulate the polls could trigger serious political and security consequences, insisting that Nigerians would not accept an electoral outcome imposed against their wishes.

“President Tinubu and INEC should understand that any attempt to rig the 2027 election will have serious consequences. What is happening in France and other European countries would be child’s play compared with what could happen in Nigeria,” he said.

Frank also cautioned against relying on the courts to resolve disputes arising from a disputed election, arguing that the authorities should focus on preventing electoral malpractice rather than expecting aggrieved candidates and political parties to seek judicial redress after the polls.

“They believe they can rig the election and then tell the opposition to go to court. That will not happen in 2027,” he added.

He further expressed concern over public confidence in the judiciary, alleging that many Nigerians perceived the institution as susceptible to political influence.

The former APC spokesman also accused INEC of failing to comply with the statutory requirement to publish the national register of voters not later than 90 days before the general election.

Citing Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, as amended, he urged the commission to clarify its compliance with the provision and address all concerns surrounding the register before the elections.

Frank said the integrity of the voter register was fundamental to the credibility of the entire electoral process, stressing that every eligible Nigerian must be given the opportunity to exercise their franchise without interference.

He called on the US, UK, EU and other international partners to engage the Nigerian government and INEC early enough to prevent irregularities and strengthen confidence in the 2027 elections.

Specifically, he urged the United States to draw on its diplomatic engagement with Nigeria during the 2015 general election, which he said should serve as a reference point for international efforts to safeguard the next polls.

“This is the time we expect the American government to do what they did in 2015 to ensure Nigeria conducts free and fair elections in 2027,” he said.

Frank maintained that the international community should not wait until electoral disputes arise before engaging Nigerian authorities, urging foreign governments to monitor developments around voter registration and preparations for the polls.